Oklahoma in forfeiture moves in internet gambling case

The massive enforcement operation against a mainly Florida-based internet cafe ‘sweepstakes’ gambling ring continued to create ripples in other US states this week with an initiative from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

The AG filed a forfeiture petition Tuesday in the Oklahoma County District Court, aimed at securing the forfeiture of $7.8 million seized from local couple Chase Egan Burns and his wife, Kristin Burns and the corporations they controlled during the illegal gambling and fraud investigation that started in Florida.

The Miami Herald reports that the Burns were among 57 people arrested in March on felony charges related to the Florida-based charity Veterans of America that purported to help homeless military veterans. Prosecutors allege it was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from internet sweepstakes cafes.

Chase and Burns surrendered to authorities in April in Florida, where they face racketeering and other charges.